December 7, 2002

“Yep, Treebait sent ours in early this week.

Chris Fox = TownDawg

You just left a message on his machine. I've spoken to him many times. He'll call you back.”

“If you want to check for yourself go to networksolutions.com and do a "WhoIS" search for towndawg.com.
The contact info will be TD AKA Chris Fox.”

“Howdy again. Well I found out who hacked my password. heh.. One of my closest friendz!!.. et tu Brute?”

“Now let me see if i can answer some of the questions, asked and implied.

ITEM #1: Is booze allowed at this location, or does it have to be covert?

I have some serious feelings regarding this issue. Any sort of alcohol, drugs, or lewd behavior should ALWAYZ be covert. I know it happens. People that know me know it happens, but let's not be stupid people. One of the reasons I refuse to have this in some parking lot in the middle of Nashville is to AVOID the pub crawls.

If you choose to bring party materials and party attitudes, you know I will enjoy your antics, but we will NOT parade around, and rub anyone else's face in it, comprende?

Ask someone who went last year. I was drunk as a skunk about 10pm or so. (Thanks Joshman, the peach wine was awesome.)”

“ITEM #2: Do we have to confirm if we are entering the contest by any certain date?

This is one of the few contests I know anywhere that allows WALKONs. There is no deadline for entering. This is entirely up to my judges and their decision is final.

The only exception to this rule is perhaps the CASI version of the contest (if it goes). I will forward all questions regarding CASI to chili36.”

“ITEM #3: Are there Categories?

Of course there are categories! We did not have categories last year, and we survived, but it's hard to judge someone's incredibly HOT cajun chili (was that Leatherneck or Rabbitman who entered that?) against someone's DELICIOUS rum cake. (Yes, there was BLUE flame as it was served! My gosh Sandi, hope we get in touch with you and get you entering something THIS year!)”

“ITEM #4: Pets Allowed?

Again, a really good question. As far as I know, yes .. but I will need to confirm this.”

“ITEM #5: What's the "tax" rate up there? Or will 15 bucks cover it?

I want to talk about this $15 each thing a little further if I may. Most likely not a single TT'er will sleep in the cabins. I realize that. I didn't ask you for the $15 thinking you would. I have noticed that there is a measure of confusion regading this.

Why do I want $15 from each of you? I want to have the entire place to us. Our event. Our friends. How would you feel, if you and your family rented a nice CABIN for the weekend and a bunch of wild-eyed crazee backpackers all showed up?

It's not fair to them.

Charit Creek Lodge wants fifteen dollars times forty eight people which is a little over $500. (It is actually closer to $600.) If we can raise the $15 each I am asking for and get $500 by the end of this month, i will personally donate the remaining $100 or so to ensure that December 7th, 2002 goes down in history.”

“ITEM #6: I'll send my Check tomorrow, but leave a spot for ...

*raps gavel on desk*

The chair recognizes Ewker and the grand state of Tennessee as being the FIRST person to send in his $15. It is no coincidence that Tennessee realized what needed to be done, and without question -- mailed in the $15 donation. We are the VOLUNTEER state, and will alwayz be so. Therefore the chair challenges all fifty states to be REPRESENTED in this historic event.

Florida! I see Florida. Yes, Florida has sent in $30! Thank you Atlantic Beach. You have served me with with your fellowship, and it is a high honor to know that you will be in attendance with all of the other TTer's

Alabama! Yes, Alabama has chimed in. Another $15 sent in by the great state of Alabama. The chair recognizes Huntsville, and appreciates your spirit. This event WILL happen if everyone took your lead!

Washington DC! Thank you! Thank you! Yes, we are on our way with another $15 received from the center of our patriotic dreams.

The chair asks, who will be next? Don't worry about whether you can be there? You might, or you might not. We plant the seed, and it grows through our efforts. Not a one of us perhaps will sleep in those cabins, but EVERY bunk will be sold. There will be more to come -- Eddie and Betty Bauers, weekend warriors with matching outfits will come out of curiousity. Yes, do not stray from this path. $15 each. That is all we are asking. I could go to Blue Ridge Mountain Sports. Yes, they would donate $500. I could go to REI. Yes, they would donate $500, but think of what an impact our witness would have. TrailTalk. The ONLY backpacking website worth watching. TrailTalk. The ONLY internet posters who are NOT posers and wanna-be's. (heh.. did I go too far? I better shut up.)”

“ITEM #7: Peace out and thanks for putting it together!

No, we have just begun. We have much to do my friends. Judges, we will need judges. Publicity, we will need publicity. Prizes, we will need prizes. Music, we wll need music. We will need a huge family sort of group meal for Friday so folks can come as they are, and feel like they are among friends. Hike leaders, we will need leaders to take followers on a multitude of potentials.

We have just begun my friends. Let's get the Charit Creek Lodge reserved, and then we will start working on who is going to be performing a this event. We need a good open air concert, lots of good bluegrass and country. Shoot, we might even have a dance.

:)”

“ITEM #8: Oh...will William Shatner be hosting this version?..

I have a better idea. He has been invited, but he has not responded yet. Watch and pray that he will consider saying yes.”

“Ok, I will stop there for now and let the dust settle.

What other questions need to be answered? Folks, I did something UNPRECEDENTED on an internet website. I posted my real name, my real address, my home phone, and even listed a toll free number. There is no reason whatsoever that anyone should leave ANY question unanswered. If you feel comfortable posting it here, go ahead. If not? Let I said before --email me, call me, send me smoke signals, drive up to my house.. whatever makes you feel comfortable.

THIS IS FOR REAL. This event will go down in history. Do not miss your chance to take part. Come. Give. Enter. Partake. Enjoy.

(I'm done posting for now.)”

“There will be TT t-shirts there too.”

“Wow, TD... Glad to see you're feeling yourself again. Wait... that didn't come out right At All.


I think Stikmon has been reading H.P. Lovecraft again, and it went straight to his brain.

Yog Sothoth, you-all!”

“Why thank you Tilt.

and a very merry Ph'nglui mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn to you too.

Is there such a thing as too much HPL? I think not.”

“Never read him so I don't know. But I can tell you a thing or two about the Ringworld...”

“I keep forgetting to send in my $15....and now I'm three sheets to the wind....maybe I'll remember in the morning, lol....”

“the check is hangin from my mail box right now...it will be picked up at 1 tomorrow...leave the pods at home...just bring the leafy stuff and the bud.”

“stikmon - your going?

I was forming a plan to get off work for this "fellowship of forest people gathering". But now that I see stikmon is going, I don't know.

I'll send ya a check anyway dawg.”

“i say everyone who claims a plot of ground...needs to bring a decent sized flag of some sort to Fly in front or from atop their tent/tarp (original home state, current home state, fave sports team, symbolic..might be neat to see what gets waved)”

“Here's mine....

”

“Great idea OPIE.. :)”

“TownDawg

I mailed ya a check for twenty bucks this morning, don't know if I will be able to swing getting off work or not.”

“finally sending my check in this morning....”

“heh.. they are gradually coming in.. but if we don't pick up some momentum.. we won't make the July cutoff.. is anyone else holding out?.. if so.. is there something else that will help you in your decision?..”

“TownDawg has done a great job of organizing this, and it is apparent that he has invested quite a bit of time and money.

I don't know what more you could ask for in a location that must accomodate a large group and still not be a drive up "car campground". It would be a shame if this site is lost because of a lack of money.

Come on folks send him a check, it's not about the cabins it's about securing a private site.

Even if you don't know for sure that your going to attend, go ahead and mail him your check just in case. I myself have less than a 50% chance of getting off work that weekend. I sent in 20 and h.e.ll now I going to try even harder to get off. This event sounds like it will be lots of fun.


Towndawg - I'm good for another 20 spot if you are running short, email me at tharrell@yahoo.com

There goes my beer funds for the week.”

“wow.. what a nice testimonial. Thanks Stalker!.. :)

Yeah, you hit the nail on the head. It's a great place to hold the event, and the problem is, I have a lot more to do between now and December, and locking down the SITE for the event has to happen first.

Years ago, when Woodstock was just an idea, I doubt they hired all the bands, and THEN tried to figure out where to have it. I know its crazy to ask for $15 each from perfect strangers, but after spending three years on this board, I know you folks are the type who will invest in an idea.

I will work hard, and I wll not cash a single check until we raise $500. Right now there is about $200 dollars worth of checks sitting on my desk, still in the original envelopes. I will get you an event together that we will talk about for a long time.

I have about another week to promote this, and then I have to consider whether I plunk down a credit card to pay for the invoice from Charit Creek Lodge. Please, If you haven't paid in yet, $15 from each of us will get this portion of the journey completed.”

“"There will be TT t-shirts there too."

So did they finally talk you into going back to your old line of work, HPM?”

“More like a relapse”

“you suck!!! Don't come, see if I give a POOP!!!...be that way...oh yeah, thats right..............your from KANSAS~!!! thats SASNAK backwards...So...I will give you some slack on your illmannered and uncultered reponse.

Hope you can make it...cause it'll sure be fun.

TD...check left my home on Friday afternoon..

I'm borrowing a 4-wheeler to pack all my stuff in with me...see if I carry all my gear for 2 miles ...HAH! Iron Chef will be bringing his full size wok and all the appropriate oriental herbs (not herbs)...to cook masterful oriental dishes. Contest is over, but please do come anyway.”

“I will contact you ASAP-did you loose my Numbers?-
Who is on board so far?

I had planned on sending you some things in the next couple of weeks-”

“My check is going into the mail today. I am going to see if some of my Nashville backpacking buddies are interested in going and tell them to send their checks also.”

“What the heck are you talking about, your just one state to the right, "illmannered and uncultered reponse". I'll get Starburst on here and he'll give you a intellectual beating. You do remember last winter when the 14 year old kicked you butt in that word game?, I think you do.

So who else from down there is going? Have you heard my mozark or jgiels? I bet they would go. Of course jgiels won't enter unless there is a pizza category.

Who is Iron chef? You can't be bringing in a ringer.

See ya Sinkmon”

“JoshMan -- good to talk to you today buddy, was afraid you had died or left the country.

For everyone else some updates -- Josh and I started talking about TC2 when TC1 was barely (and I mean barely) over. Josh started writing all the big BP corporations, looking to see what sort of sponsorship they were interested in. Josh and I have discussed music (setting up some sort of afternoon and evening concert).. and bringing in llamas (kids rides?.. hiring them out to tote in food?).. and we continue to discuss a variety of options and strategies.

I am counting on Josh. He's going to be a big help. Now.. I am going to give this telethon till about next weekend. We are nearly halfway there. $15. Write out a check and put it in the mail.”

“to be King of the Base Camp....plus he makes a mean breakfast burrito.

Yes, I do remember the humbling beating that your son gave me...I've been in therapy ever since....BUT I'm feeling much better now and am looking to having another rousing round with Starbust...or whatever his handle is...fartburst or something incredible nasty...Im gonna anniliate the little monster...grind him under my foot, spit in his ..........oh I'm sorry...ommmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm....I feel better again, I look forward to another meeting.”

“Just another update.. Alabama is leading in donations almost 3 to 1.

Catch up folks.. :)”

“Some thoughts on categories...

Appetizers -- hot wings, stuffed mushrooms, etc..

Entries -- 1) CASI chili, 2) All other chilis and stews, 3) how far do we need to break this out?.. separate category for vegetarian offerings?

Desserts -- Pies, cakes, etc..

Beverages -- I got at least one guy (a bartender) wanting to enter his favorite mixed drink concoctions.. LOL”

“Appetizer

Entree

Soup

Chili

Salad

Dessert

Drinks”

“to be the official taster. In all serious contests of gastronomic events, there is a taster that tastes the food just prior to the judges tastings. This way, if there is any foul tasting (or poisoned) foods, the judges will be protected.

I think it is essential to protect the judges at all costs and I am willing to do it, I will need $15.00 from each judge. This will go to offset my potential medical expenses, if occasion arises, and if not, well then, just consider it insurance...its something you hope to never use, but its always good to have, just in case. Please wire the money to:
www.savethejudges.com

Thanks...and have a lovely day.”

“I peel a mean banana...”

“Humanpackmule makes a killer omelette. It's not pretty and will shut you down for the rest of the day, but it's good. Funny thing is it only works when made over a fire. Not suitable for civilization.”

“how could i get there?
fly in
train
bus?
whats the best way without driving from NY. and can i get picked up?”

“drive to atleast cincy, then hitch a ride with me if you want!!”

“Dont forget my two reservations!
Kids under 3 free?



Do you take charge?”

“Towndawg,
As for the categories, MSDHiker's seven are good. You could add a vegetarian category for the entree, soup and chili if there is enough interest. As time gets closer folks will let ya know what cat they are going to enter in and how many dishes. You should have a good idea on what categories to drop or add.”

“OKAY FOLKS - Have you sent in your donation? Time is running out for the big dawg to reserve this wonderful site.

Let's light up those phone lines and make a pledge.

It only takes a 15.00 check to obtain membership status.

A fifty dollar check and Stickmon will carry in all your gear.

A 200.00 check (cleared by the bank) you will obtain a lifetime membership and Stikmon will provide you and a guest ricksha service the two miles in and out.

And let's put our hands together for the Stinkymon for volunteering to help this wonderful cause.

And now let's check in with the big dawg... Towndawg, that line graph has been slow to move up over the last week, lets have it are you going to make that goal of 500.00 by midnight of the 30th of June?”

“well here's where we are.. some money HAS come in.. and it is promising.. well we make it by the end of the month?.. hMMm.. doubtful unless some folks give in.. but hey.. I am thankful for all I have received.. we are still about halfway.. I will post a list of everyone who HAS contributed prolly end of this week.. so you can see who the deadbeats are.. LOL.. (j/k!!)

For some reason, I cant seem to make people understand that securing the site needs to happen first. Without that, we run the risk of a lot of problems.. and hey.. this will be too huge not to get it started of right.

The general manager of Charit Creek Lodge has promised to call me this week also.. will prolly BEG for an extension.. but he is a businessman.. so hey.. don't know.. Again.. if all the folks who post here.. and on the other site would just get a check out, this part would be over..

Now... for some good news.. talked to the some folks up in Kentucky about bringing down some bluegrass music, and that seems to be going well -- so I know you can expect some good entertianment also..

Working on getting a brochure done this weekend.. so anyone who wants to put it up in their favorite backpacking store can do so for publicity..

Category update.. a friend of mine and I was talking tonight.. over at his new house.. he's bringing about six people.. and he wants a SPAM category.. lol. . how many interesting meals can we make with SPAM.. Also.. a guy over on the other website says we need a RAMEN NOODLE catgory.. same reasons..

Hmm.. what else.. my lil sister thinks we need to have some dancers come in.. LOL.. get it?.. Titanium Chef 2002 with the Platinum Plus Dancers!.. LOL.. ain't gonna happen, but we were laughing..

And this one guy today.. was BREAKING me up.. talking about how he was gonna bar-be-que a hog?.. and I was like.. "how in the world are you gonna get a big HOG two miles down the trail?"

And he says, "easy.. put a leash on him.. and a pack with the hickory wood and bar-e-que sauce. and walk his butt right up there.. heh.. might even name him LUCKY.. "

LMAO!!”

“thats wrong about that hog!!

Im sending mine today IF I can remember!”

“I like the SPAM idea!!”

“Like the Towndawg says-the fee is only to reserve the entire site-I have never been , but the Td's opinion on the digs and location are good enough for me-
According to TD-the "lodge/lodges" will sleep 48 intrepid Trail Talkers-Hey wait a minute, 48 times $15.00 is a lot more than $500.00---
Yeah we spoke about this, and want everyone to know that this is a
NOT FOR PROFIT outing and some sort of rebate/prize fund-there was some talk about a donation to a conservation or trail association.
All dollars above and beyond the fixed expenses to reserve the lodge will be given back to the Titanium Chef attendees-
No one , with the possible exception of TD and I,will have to pay more than the $15.00, He and I have aggreed to take up the slack with the management firm by providing our personal credit card
numbers.Td says the lodge fee is more than the $500.00 deposit so we will count up the total number of people attending and divide the total fee to come up with a true number of what this thing will cost everybody, we will pass a hat to those who don't pay up front.
I don't plan on sleeping inside-but should the weather turn crappy-as it is want to due in Tennessee in December-the option to will be 1st choice to those who help out on the front end,then the everyone else.
We really want as many people to come as can-last year was a big time.
As Towndawg said-I have written to lots of the gear makers and we need to have lots of folks show up to prove them that their customers are into this kind of outing/gathering most of them feel like we are looking for something for nothing.I wrote to them to solicit prizes and goodies-most are looking to T-03 for their support but we have gotten some cool things...

We also need a to have gear swap sometime ove the weekend..
What do ya think fellow TT'ers?”